Lapita is an identity marker, like language and cultural traits among others, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said at the launch of the 10th Lapita Conference on Monday.
Ratu Wiliame said in line with the theme — Weaving the past, present and future — Lapita findings must be included in the national educational curriculum so that Pacific students are aware of the distinct history.
He said the idea of a permanent exhibition on Lapita history in Pacific Island museums was paramount and encouraged Pacific artisans to showcase their work.
“I want to encourage our artisans to weave Lapita stories, artists to carve and paint Lapita cultures while our performers narrate the Lapita movement and migrations in dances and chants,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“To our young Pacific people, proudly write about yourselves and your communities, be the voice for the voiceless in our communities. “The Lapita story needs to be perpetuated through us, so therein lies our calling.”
The President in his role as the patron of the Fiji Museum, said the new Voyages-Stories of an Ocean people at the museum, which featured the story of the Lapita people and their migration, had provided the opportunity for Fijians and tourists to have some knowledge about the interesting history of the Lapita people.
He told participants at the Lapita conference that the museum used the COVID-19 lockdown period to its advantage by undertaking major renovations, which has resulted in the new experience it has today.
